Fr. Jim Gartland SJ

Rev. James G. Gartland, SJ, Chief Mission Officer at the Cristo Rey Network and a founder of the Cristo Rey movement, joined the organization in 2023, bringing more than 30 years of local and national leadership to the role.

As a delegate from the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), Fr. Gartland previously served as Pastor of St. Mary Student Parish in Ann Arbor, MI for five years.

Fr. Gartland is the second individual to serve in the position, succeeding Chair Emeritus John P. Foley, SJ, who retired in 2022. As Chief Mission and Identity Officer, Fr. Gartland develops pastoral and inclusive school support strategies to meet each campus’ evolving needs; supports mutual accountability of all schools to the Cristo Rey Network Mission Effectiveness Standards; leads the faith formation for the Cristo Rey Network national office staff; and broadly promotes a shared understanding of the Cristo Rey Network mission and Catholic identity.

In 1993, newly ordained Fr. Gartland undertook the original feasibility study that led to the opening of the movement’s flagship school, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (Chicago), in 1996. As a member of the founding team, he taught theology at the school from 2000 until 2004 and then served as Cristo Rey Jesuit’s second President from 2004 to 2012.

In 2012, Fr. Gartland was named Rector of the Blessed Peter Faber Jesuit Community at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry but sustained his leadership in the organization as a Director on the Cristo Rey Network Board serving three consecutive terms from 2012-2021. Currently, Fr. Gartland has resumed his tenure on the Cristo Rey Network Board of Directors.

Fr. Gartland earned a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, a master’s degree in philosophy and religious education from Loyola University Chicago, and a master’s in divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.